There’s no shortage of churches to visit in Florence, filled with frescoes, art works and wonders. The cost of the entrance ticket is generally very reasonable (around 10-15 euro), considering you’re visiting priceless masterpieces. But it gets even better. If you want to save money, and not spend a single cent, you can visit some of the churches in Florence for free. This way, you’ll get a taste of the city’s rich history and art. And have money left over for an aperitivo!
3 Beautiful Churches to visit for free in Florence
1. Badia Fiorentina – The ancient abbey Dante wrote about
The Badia Fiorentina is an ancient church tucked away in via del Proconsolo, not far from the Cathedral. Its bell tower, slender and elegant, is an singular feature of Florence‘s skyline. But when you walk past it, you could easily miss its facade, half buried in a maze of edifices.
Dante Alighieri met Beatrice in this very Church, that once was a Benedictine Abbey (hence the name: Badia stands for Abbazia), and wrote about it in his Divine Comedy. It was a central part of Florence’s religious, and also economic life.
Today not much remains of the Medieval origin of the Badia Fiorentina. You can spot the elongated Gothic windows (now bricked over). It has been restructured many times, during the Renaissance and during the 17th century, and the interior is a mix of different styles. Important works of art include the 15th century funerary monuments and a painting by Filippino Lippi “Apparizione della Vergine”.
=> You can visit the beautiful cloister Chiostro degli Aranci on monday from 3pm tp 5pm (entrance ticket to the cloister costs 3 Euro).
=> If you love art and sculptures, don’t miss the Bargello Museum in Florence. A few steps from the Badia Fiorentina!
2. San Miniato al Monte Church – Splendid Church with a view
Another very special church for the city of Florence is the San Miniato al Monte Church. To visit it, you need to climb to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is not a bad thing, as you’ll reach one of Florence’s favourite viewpoints. Just above the panoramic terrace of Piazzale Michelangelo, there’s one of Florence’s most ancient churches.
San Miniato owes its name to the Christian martyr Minias. The legend has it that, after being decapitated by the Romans, he picked up his head and crossed the river Arno to reach this spot, where he could finally rest in peace. The highlights of this beautiful church include a great apse mosaic from the 13th century, a crypt and a fabulously frescoed chapel. And you can see it all without spending a cent.
=> Check out the Most Beautiful Churches in Florence
=> Art passionate? Check out the Top Frescoes to see in Florence!
3. Ognissanti Church – Brunelleschi’s burial place
The first amazing thing about San Salvatore in Ognissanti Church (All Saints) in Florence is that you may find yourself alone, away from the stress of the crowds. Here you can admire some splendid works of art in peace. And feel that you’re taking a step into understanding Florence better, delving into its past in a more intimate way.
Despite being often overlooked by tourists, there are a few very important things that make this place very special. An example? This is the church where Sandro Botticelli is buried. And his body rests right next to his muse Simonetta Vespucci, the noblewoman that might have given her features to the Primavera paintings. This used to be the church of the Vespucci family – that paid a lot of money for the private Chapel frescoed by Ghirlandaio. And yes, it’s the very family who gave its name to the famous explorer Amerigo Vespucci.
=> Find out about Where to see Botticelli artworks in Florence
=> Discover the Top Things to do in Florence
=> Looking for ways to save money for a holiday?
The Ognissanti Church is lavishly decorated. The highlights are the Crucifix by Giotto and the frescoes by Renaissance masters Botticelli, “Saint Augustine in his study” and Ghirlandaio “Saint Jerome in his study”, both painted in 1480. Ghirlandaio also made a fresco of a version of a “Last supper’ in the refectory.
You find it in Borgo Ognissanti, in a little square overlooking the Arno River.
Florence Cathedral entrance is free!
One last thing => You can also visit the interior of Florence Cathedral for free.
But to really appreciate the Duomo it’s advisable to join a Guided Tour of the Cathedral Complex that will introduce you to the secrets and wonders of this famous church: with a knowledgeable guide, admire the Baptistery’s beautiful mosaics, and discover Brunelleschi’s Dome and the Bell Tower. Then head to the Opera del Duomo Museum to see artwork by Michelangelo and others. With an included 24-hour ticket, you can climb the dome and bell tower, if you wish.
=> There are many more things you can do and attractions to see in Florence for free.
=> Discover 8 Famous Statues in Florence you have to see!
